It's not often that you get to party with a Time Lord, but a few journalists had a chance to do just that Thursday night as BBC America celebrated 50 years of the sci-fi juggernaut "Doctor Who."

Upon arrival at the trendy Soho House in West Hollywood, partygoers feasted their eyes on the TARDIS, the iconic time-traveling space ship that resembles a 1950s-era British police phone box. Perched on the sidewalk, right next to it was a Dalek -- one of the evil metallic mutants that has given the Doctor fits over the years.

High atop the Soho House on Sunset Boulevard, where the bash took place, outgoing "Doctor Who" star Matt Smith made the rounds with his lovely companion, Jenna Coleman. Smith was rocking a close-cropped haircut that he took on for his new movie, "How to Make a Monster," but promised that the Doctor's floppy mop-top would be back in "some shape or form" for his big "Who" send-off in the show's Christmas special.

That episode follows the 3-D 50th anniversary special, which airs Nov. 23 and teams Smith with David Tennant, one of the most popular former time travelers.

Earlier in the day, in a press-tour panel, Smith said his scenes with Tennant went well.

"It was brilliant," he said. "He's a fabulous Doctor and he's a good bloke, a great bloke. ... And it was fabulous for the show."

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For one night, the terrace garden/dining area of the Soho House was adorned with "Doctor Who" memorabilia, including a colorful mural of all 11 actors who served as Doctors -- starting with William Hartnell in 1963 -- and several vintage costumes from the show.

At one point the evening's tranquil vibe was broken when a few space beasts entered the scene and creepily loitered about. Yes, they were gruesome and ominous, but no need to worry.